Ancient but earthquake proof!

We read a story called "Ancient but Earthquake Proof" which was about the Parthenon in Athens, Greece.  The Parthenon was built over 2500 years ago and while it has some walls and carvings missing it is still an impressive structure.  

We were amazed that the ancient builders were able to create such a building using only their brains and their two hands.  The Parthenon was created using a strong foundation, pedestals and then the columns which were made of blocks stacked on top of each other, just like our spine.   Inside the columns are iron rods surrounded by lead (to stop the rods rusting and to absorb force and vibrations).  The Parthenon is a strong yet flexible structure able to withstand earthquakes.  

Modern builders tried to preserve the Parthenon by inserting more iron rods into the columns...only they didn't add lead so the rods have become weakened meaning the columns are now cracking.  

We answered comprehension questions and then used a venn diagram to compare the Parthenon with New Zealand Parliament building (The Beehive in Wellington). 

Then we tried to build our own flexible structures thinking about what we learned using only marshmallows and toothpicks.

"Our structure had a big foundation base, and we used the toothpicks as rails and rods like the Parthenon"  - AL

"To make ours strong we used extra toothpicks and we had cross beams.  Ours was the tallest" - QS

Tui class have been busy painting ice-block sticks with vibrant colours and patterns with the aim of decorating the steps outside our classroom.   During this process we have been learning about colours and their effects, repeating patterns and measurement.  The sticks will be glued to the step horizontally and vertically (eg II=II=II)

    WALT create art to beautify our outdoor school environment

    We...
    Can choose bright colours
    Can create different and effective patterns
    Can measure the area to see how many ice-block sticks we will need